Tanzania entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UK passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania in 2026. You don't need to apply in advance — just bring the right documents and cash for the visa fee. The standard tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Julius Nyerere International Airport will verify it on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they may check it before stamping your visa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. Immigration may ask for this if you're staying more than a few days or traveling without a prepaid tour. | Recommended |
| Visa on arrival Single-entry tourist visa issued at the airport | You can get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. The fee is $50 USD for a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days — bring exact cash in US dollars.Apply online | Required |
Cash only – no cards
Visa on arrival desks in Tanzania only accept cash. Bring US dollars in good condition (no torn or marked notes). If you don't have the exact amount, they may not have change, so small denominations help. ATMs are available after immigration but won't help you pay for the visa.
Keep your arrival card after scanning
After you clear immigration, keep the stamped arrival card with your passport. You may need to present it when leaving or checking into hotels. Don't throw it away.
What happens at the border
1
Fill in the arrival card
On the plane or before you reach immigration, complete the standard Tanzania customs and immigration declaration card. You'll need your passport details, flight number, and address in Tanzania (hotel name is fine).
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival desk
After you get off the plane, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before joining the main immigration queue. At Julius Nyerere (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar airports, these desks are clearly marked. If in doubt, ask airport staff.
3
Hand over documents and pay the fee
Present your passport, completed arrival card, and the visa fee in US dollars (cash). The officer will process the visa, stamp it into your passport, and hand it back. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in your passport, join the 'Foreign Passports' immigration queue. The officer will check your visa, ask a couple of questions (purpose of visit, length of stay), and stamp you in.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Same as VoA but processed online; recommended to avoid queues.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 12 months)
Max stay90 days per visit, non-extendable
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 180 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
Residence permit (work or investment)
Max stay1–2 years, renewable
Validity1–2 years
Cost$500–$2,000 USD depending on category
For long-term stays; requires employer or investment proof.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (approx. £480) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires company sponsorship and labour market test.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. £800) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. £160) per year
For full-time students enrolled at a recognised Tanzanian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash (USD, GBP, or TZS) at major entry points. Credit cards not accepted. | $50 USD (or equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Optional eVisa available via Tanzania Immigration website; same cost. | $50 USD (same as VoA, but can be obtained online) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 12 months)Requires pre-approval; not available on arrival. | $100 USD |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. Avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (no official cap, but may be negotiable) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tanzania
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Tanzania (e.g., Julius Nyerere International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Tanzania or a neighbouring country may transit without visa.
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Tanzania, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons (March–May, November–December).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for travellers on safari; can handle extensions.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalDodoma
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,599.28 TZS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D, G — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Tanzania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD. Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost more ($100 and up). You must pay in cash — usually US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa on arrival counters.
The single-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue. The exact validity is usually stamped in your passport. You must leave Tanzania before that date or apply for an extension at the immigration office (cost around $200-$300).
Yes, most major land border crossings (Namanga, Hollii, Sirari, etc.) have visa on arrival facilities for UK passport holders. The process is similar, but expect longer queues. Bring cash and the same documents.
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (or transiting for more than 12 hours). UK is not a risk country, but if your travel includes a stopover in a risk country, you'll need the certificate. It's not a visa requirement but it's checked by health officials at the airport.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Services Department in Dar es Salaam or at regional immigration offices. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments up to a total of 180 days. The fee is about $200 USD per extension, and you must apply before your current visa expires.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $200 USD for the first 30 days overstay, and then $30 per day after that. You may also be detained and deported. Always apply for an extension or leave before your visa expires.
Yes, all international airports — Julius Nyerere (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro (Arusha), Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar), and Mwanza — have visa on arrival counters. For smaller airports or private airstrips, you should confirm ahead. If you're arriving by private plane or chartered flight, arrange the visa beforehand if possible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.